High streets dealt multi-billion pound blow as shops ordered to close their doors again

HIGH streets were dealt a multi-billion pound blow as shops were ordered to close their doors once more.

Shoppers got just a few hours’ notice ahead of non-essential stores shutting for at least a fortnight.

Retailers in the new Tier 4 will get no cash help.

Helen Dickinson, of the British Retail Consortium, predicted “severe” consequences for business.

Joshua Bamfield of the Centre for Retail Research said the Christmas season had been “massacred”.

He added: “It is sickening.”

The Federation of Small Businesses said many will see takings “disappear literally overnight”.

Martin McTague, vice-chair of the Federation of Small Business, said: “From shops to hairdressers, this would normally be one of the busiest times of the year.

“Many will have bought extra stock and increased staff hours, now their takings are to disappear literally overnight.”